My research interests are in the field of nuclear physics applied to medicine and biology, in particular in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT). I develop Beam Shaping Assemblies by Monte Carlo calculations of neutron and gamma transport, and perform treatment planning simulations. I am interested in standardising the evaluation of neutron beams for clinical BNCT. From the experimental point of view, I perform boron concentration measurements in biological samples by neutron autoradiography especially finalised to assess the feasibility of BNCT for different kinds of tumours or with different boron carriers. Presently, I am working to the realisation of a new BNCT facility for clinical trials based on the use of a proton accelerator. In particular, I collaborate in the design of suitable neutron beams on the basis of the dosimetric performances in relevant clinical scenarios. I manage this website and the forum of the International Society for Neutron Capture Therapy.
Teaching
lecturer at the course “Simulations in bio-sanitary field”, for the MSc in Physics, University of Pavia ( link ).
lecturer at the course “Computationa Science”, for the BSc in Pysics, University of Pavia ( link ).
July 2014 – Summer School in Neutron Detectors and Related Applications Supervisor: Prof. A. Quaranta
June 2013 – Summer School in X seminar on software for nuclear, subnuclear and applied physics Geant4 course organized by INFN
June 2013 – Summer School in PHITS course organized by OECD NEA
2009-2011 – M.Sc. in Physics Final Dissertation: “A neutron autoradiography method to measure 10B in biological samples applied to BNCT of osteosarcoma”. Supervisor: Prof. S. Bortolussi. University of Pavia. GPA: 109/110 (Italian scale) | GPA: 3.95/4.0 (USA scale)
2008-2011 – B.Sc. in Physics Final Dissertation: “The state of the art of solar panels.”. Supervisor: Prof. V. Bellani. University of Pavia
1999-2006 – European Baccalaureate European School Bergen, ISCED 3B
Awards, Grants and Honors
June 2014 – Fairchild Award, International Congress on Neutron Capture Therapy , Finland 2014.
November 2012 – 3 year grant from the University of Pavia to complete my PhD studies.
July 2006 – Highest grades in Chemistry at the final exam of the European Baccalaureate.